As we continue to see a high volume of patients at both University Hospital in Coventry and Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, we're asking members of our local communities to ensure they are accessing the right healthcare services before attending hospital.

Please consider using other services such as Pharmacies, GP surgeries, Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre (for those aged five and above), Coventry NHS Healthcare and Walk-in Centre and NHS 111 instead of visiting A&E.

This will help us to ensure that care continues to be prioritised for those most in need.

We recommend the following for situations which are not an emergency or life threatening.

Self-care: Best for minor illnesses such as colds, coughs, sore throat, small cuts or grazes, by resting at home and using over-the-counter medicines.

Pharmacists: Best for advice and treating illnesses like diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes.

NHS 111: Calling NHS 111 or using 111.nhs.uk is best if you are feeling unwell, or if you need health advice and guidance in a non-life-threatening emergency.

GP services: For symptoms that don’t go away, such as ear pain, back pain or stomach pain.

Minor Injuries Unit, Walk-in Centre and Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre: When it’s urgent but not life threatening, such as sprains, fractures, minor burns or skin infection.

A&E or 999: Only in an emergency, such as loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding.

Thank you for your support and co-operation.